Nala also participated in crash victim rescue, a service which was frequently required. 

Of course, Nala had to escort the girls on every run. 

Maya and Sarinaugh sledding in the backyard. Recent warm temperatures and rain followed by sub-zero nights have left an ice coating on top of a 12 inch base. Perfect conditions for sledding. 

Rose defied all odds making her way into this world and I predict will continue to amaze us all with her strength and determination. 

Welcome my new niece Rose Calabria born on the 28th at noon weighing in at 7 pounds 5.5 ounces and measuring 20 inches long. Mark and Marie have now duplicated our parents’ family, 2 boys followed by 2 girls, and made me an uncle for the ninth time. Mario, Rory, and Sophia are reportedly thrilled with their new sister and I have three kids here who all want to know when we are going to Minnesota to meet their new cousin. 

I made a one day excursion to California today to evaluate an investment I am considering. Delays on every leg of the journey made it an arduous voyage and my itinerary left little time for sleep (2 hours in 36) let alone photography. I was able to grab this shot on final approach. 

Maya delights in the use of her new frappe maker. I returned home from work just in time to sample her fine work. 

Nala also received several gifts including these rawhide sausages. Although she did seem to enjoy them, she favored gnawing on our firewood kindling until we had a rug covered with small toothpicks. 

By mid morning, the adults were exhausted. Just in case you think we appear too relaxed I should point out that the lump under my left hand is Nicolai’s foot. When I ceased to rub it for more than a 3 second interval he would move it about until the massaging resumed. In the spirit of full disclosure, I must confess I did the same thing with my head to coax more rubbing from Jeanine. Like father, like son I guess. Photo courtesy of Kyle. 

Maya gave her brother what she described as a gorilla like monkey. I can only imagine what inspired her to select this gift for him. 

Jeanine received her very own camera selected for its user friendliness. I was inspired to make this gift by complaints that Nicolai monopolized the camera I sent them to Tanzania with. Jeanine mastered the unit within five minutes and then proceeded to photograph everything in sight. I may have created a monster. 

The boys received a Sonos whole house music system with a subscription to Rhapsody. Basically, they have immediate access to any song ever recorded and internet radio stations from around the globe. To say they were enthralled with this gift would be a huge understatment. 

Maya has been wishing for her own sewing machine. Apparently, Santa thought she was pretty nice last year and her wish was granted. 

Christmas Eve would not be complete without Zeppole Balls. I have forgotten the actual name for these fried dough balls bathed in honey and sprinkles but we make them every year just as my Italian grandmother did when I was a child. Jeanine made the dough, Maya was in charge of rolling it out into long strips, Nico cut the strips (with unusually high precision) into marble sized chunks, I cooked them, and Kyle cleaned up the mess. Our team effort resulted in one of our best batches ever.